I returned to my lodging in good time, and went to bed without seeing the niece, who was fast asleep.  I was waited on by the ugly aunt, who begged me not to take a servant while I remained in her house, for by her account all servants were thieves.

When I awoke in the morning the niece had got up and gone down.  I dressed to go to the Wells, and warned my host and hostess that I should have the pleasure of dining with them.  The room I occupied was the only place in which they could take their meals, and I was astonished when they came and asked my permission to do so.  The niece had gone out, so I had to put my curiosity aside.  When I was out my acquaintances pointed out to me the chief beauties who then haunted the Wells.  The number of adventurers who flock to Spa during the season is something incredible, and they all hope to make their fortunes; and, as may be supposed, most of them go away as naked as they came, if not more so.  Money circulates with great freedom, but principally amongst the gamesters, shop-keepers, money-lenders, and courtezans.  The money which proceeds from the gaming-table has three issues:  the first and smallest share goes to the Prince-Bishop of Liege; the second and larger portion, to the numerous amateur cheats who frequent the place; and by far the largest of all to the coffers of twelve sharpers, who keep the tables and are authorized by the sovereign.

Thus goes the money.  It comes from the pockets of the dupes—­poor moths who burn their wings at Spa!

The Wells are a mere pretext for gaming, intriguing, and fortune-hunting.  There are a few honest people who go for amusement, and a few for rest and relaxation after the toils of business.

Living is cheap enough at Spa.  The table d’hote is excellent, and only costs a small French crown, and one can get good lodging for the like sum.

I came home at noon having won a score of louis.  I went into the shop, intending to go to my room, but I was stopped short by seeing a handsome brunette, of nineteen or twenty, with great black eyes, voluptuous lips, and shining teeth, measuring out ribbon on the counter.  This, then, was the niece, whom I had imagined as so ugly.  I concealed my surprise and sat down in the shop to gaze at her and endeavour to make her acquaintance.  But she hardly seemed to see me, and only acknowledged my presence by a slight inclination of the head.  Her aunt came down to say that dinner was ready, and I went upstairs and found the table laid for four.  The servant brought in the soup, and then asked me very plainly to give her some money if I wanted any wine, as her master and mistress only drank beer.  I was delighted with her freedom, and gave her money to buy two bottles of Burgundy.

The master came up and shewed me a gold repeater with a chain also of gold by a well-known modern maker.  He wanted to know how much it was worth.

“Forty louis at the least.”